Mandan residents are driving an effort to allow voters to decide on the future scale of data center developments within city limits. An initiated measure, proposed by local organizers, is now in the hands of Mandan city officials after petitioners submitted a significant number of signatures. The measure specifically aims to limit any new data centers within Mandan to a maximum capacity of 25 megawatts.
Organizers of the initiated measure successfully gathered more signatures than required to advance their proposal. They needed 435 valid signatures from Mandan citizens but ultimately turned in 706, according to reports. This demonstrates a notable level of community engagement in the matter.
Sheila Froelich, a Mandan resident, emphasized that the measure's intent is not to undermine the work of city commissions. Instead, she stated, "we’re trying to help them" by allowing the community to weigh in directly. Froelich indicated that organizers have been engaging with residents, suggesting that a public vote would simplify decision-making for commissions, ensuring the responsibility for such a significant issue would not solely rest on them.
The petition has now officially entered the city’s election process, moving forward for administrative review. Mandan Mayor James Froelich outlined the next steps, explaining that the city now has a 10-day period to verify the submitted signatures. This verification process ensures that all signatures belong to actual citizens of Mandan who are of legal voting age.
Mayor Froelich also addressed the timeline for the measure potentially appearing on a ballot. He stated that it is unlikely the measure will be included on the upcoming Nov. 3 ballot. This is primarily due to absentee ballots for that election being scheduled for distribution "this week," making it logistically challenging to add a new measure so close to the deadline.
Should the petition successfully meet all necessary requirements following the city's verification process, it would then be presented to Mandan voters in a later special election. This outcome underscores the potential for a direct democratic decision by residents on an issue that could shape future economic development and land use within the city. The process now hinges on the city’s review and validation of the collected signatures and adherence to election regulations.